Columbia

Silver Ridge Convertible

£50 n Men’s 28-44; four leg lengths n Women’s 6-20; three leg lengths n Weight 337g (size 32 waist, 32 leg) n Material 100% nylon Silver Ridge ripstop

The price tag of this trouser hides an impressive list of features. Durable and fast-drying, it also comes in a wide range of sizes and has flexibility of fit as there’s an elasticated waist, plus a belt. The leg fit is not too baggy or flappy either. In practical terms, the pocket design is a real bonus when backpacking as you can a slip a map into both the two hip and leg pockets. One leg pocket has a zip too. There are also two rear unzipped pockets.

It would be good if there was a hidden zipped security pocket for travelling, or if at least one of the rear pockets was zipped to keep items more secure. No ankle zips, either. You don’t get the stretch fabrics of some higher-priced designs and there’s no soft-brushed lining inside the waistband. Additional reinforcement is something some higher-priced trousers offer too, but for the price – and compared to others – the Silver Ridge has relatively few drawbacks.

An excellent trouser for the price that would suit the needs of many hillwalkers and backpackers.